Special purpose open source software

BENDFLEX

Bend stiffeners are usually manufactured with polyurethane and used to ensure a smooth transition between the flexible riser/umbilical and the rigid connection at the floating unit. This is a critical region in terms of highest loads and fatigue.

BENDFLEX will be based on the beam theory, incorporating large deflections and material non-linearity (hyperelastic and non-linear viscoelasticity) with a graphical user interface. The following features shall be incorporated: a) Parametric study for multiple angle / top tension static loading combinations; b) input of angle and top tension time series for the quasi-static analysis of viscoelastic bend stiffener polyurethane; c) database of typical polyurethane material behavior.